Council approves IDOT agreement to add Sheridan Road sidewalks; residents press for tree and landscaping plans

The Highland Park City Council approved a resolution Aug. 11 authorizing an agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation to include construction of sidewalks and related improvements along a stretch of Sheridan Road. City staff said the project has been under discussion for more than a decade and would tie into prior sidewalk and pedestrian investments in the area. Staff reported about $2.3 million in construction estimates, funded in part by a $1,650,000 grant and an ITEP grant of $659,800 that requires an 80/20 local match. Staff said landscaping and a Jens Jensen–style veneer design are planned after construction and that staff will request $500,000 in the 2026 budget for that work. Council member Ross said safety and pedestrian connectivity are the driving reasons to proceed: “It’s very clear there's a real safety issue and a connectivity issue,” Ross said, citing children, strollers and people with disabilities who must walk in the street to reach Rosewood Beach. Several residents said they support the sidewalk but asked the city for precise, tree‑by‑tree maps and a clearer regreening plan. One resident who lives on Sheridan asked for an accurate map of trees slated for removal and said the public has received conflicting plans. City staff said the original tree removal estimate exceeded 200 trees but that design revisions and ongoing work reduced the number to about 60 trees; staff said the city will continue public outreach and produce a landscape plan in 2026 because IDOT will not pay for regreening. Director Bannon told the council the city has two grants for the work: the $1,650,000 Adecco (construction) grant and an ITEP grant capped at $659,800. That combination covers most of an estimated $2.35 million construction cost; anything over those grants would be the city’s responsibility. Staff said landscaping is not in IDOT’s scope and would be a city expense included as a 2026 budget request. After public comment and a discussion that included requests for earlier release of landscaping schematics, the council voted 7–0 to approve the IDOT agreement. Council members and staff said they will produce a detailed tree inventory and share a conceptual regreening plan with neighborhoods during the design phase.